Thursday, March 31, 2011

Edna Helena Brown left this world for her heavenly home on March 30, 2011. She was born on July 16, 1915 in Oakland, OK to Joseph & Anna Pennington. She was 95 years, 8 months, and 14 days old. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband of 59 years, Vallie William Brown, & granddaughter, Linda Brown Davis, five sisters, and two brothers.
Surviving are her son Darrell Brown and wife Marie of Poteau, granddaughter Melissa Brown and husband Peter Neff of Grove, OK, Linda’s husband, Damon Davis of Chelsea, OK and four great-grandchildren, Britton Davis of Pembroke Pines, FL, Taylor and Isaac Davis of Chelsea, OK, and Natasha Teeters, her husband, David and their children, Hunter & Jefferson of Leeton, MO. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
For the past 30 years, she has been a member of Double Branch Baptist Church and faithfully attended services until her declining health kept her at home. She was a homemaker and traveled with her husband to various job locations throughout the states during his career as a pipeline mechanic. She was raised in the Conser-Heavener area and moved back to Poteau in 1966.Serving as pallbearers will be Peter Neff, Damon Davis, David Teeters, Taylor Davis, Isaac Davis, and Trey Mixer.Services will be held at 4:30 pm Saturday, April 2nd at Double Branch Baptist Church with interment to follow at Monroe Cemetery.

Edgar Daniel Urchison, 79, of Poteau passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at St. Edwards Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, AR. “Ed” was born June 30, 1931 in Hill, OK to George Urchison & Lucy Richard. His father’s family immigrated from Czechoslovakia when his father was a child. They all later became U.S. citizens. Ed grew up in the communities of Hill, Gilmore, McClure, Midway & Monroe. At 18 he enlisted in the National Guard. In 1951, he was drafted into the US Army and served with the 45th Div. in reconnaissance on the front lines of the Korean War. After his discharge in 1952, he returned home and married Jo Ann Pickle. They first lived in Dallas, TX, then Tulsa, OK where he worked for Douglas Aircraft. They settled in Monroe, OK near Sugar Loaf Mt. where they raised their four children. Ed earned a BA Degree from Poteau Junior College while working and attending night school. He was employed by Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, retiring in 1992 after 37 years. He raised beef cattle for many years which he so enjoyed. After retirement he enjoyed being with his family, gardening and hanging out with his Monroe friends. He never knew a stranger and helped people in any way he could. He will be missed by all.Ed was a Christian and attended Sugar Loaf Baptist Church. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Masonic Lodge. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, two brother, John & Edward Urchison and one sister, Dorothy Riggs. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jo Ann of Monroe, 2 daughters, Alice Johnson and husband Jeff of Cave Springs, AR, Debi Rakes and husband Ron of Georgetown, CO; two sons, Gary Urchison and wife, Freda of El Reno, OK, Ken Urchison of Midwest City, OK; 2 brothers, George Urchison III of Howe, OK, Walter Urchison of Talihina, OK; one sister-in-law, Loretta Urchison of Broken Arrow, OK; 8 grandchildren, Sean Wright, Jennifer Tadlock, Charity Robertson, Summer Anderson, Ryan Walker, Eddie Urchison, Grace Anderson & William Urchison; 2 great grandchildren, Hope Wright & Kendall Robertson; many nieces, nephews and friends.Funeral services will be conducted April 2, at 2:00 pm in Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook & Rev. Les Scroggins officiating. Interment will follow at Monroe Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be made to Monroe Church of Christ, PO Box 126, Monroe, OK 74947

Gordon Emery Ennis, 53, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, March 25, 2011 in Poteau. Gordon was born in Amarillo, TX on October 30, 1957 to Willie Arthur “Bill” & Barbara Ann (Willis) Ennis. Gordon graduated from Hale High School, Tulsa, OK in 1977 and also Tulsa Welding School in 1977. He worked in the carpet industry for over 20 years; first as a salesman and then as an installer before moving to Poteau in 1993. He loved the outdoors (hunting & fishing). He loved the animals on the farm – especially close to 2 limousine bulls. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Ennis; maternal grandparents, Emery & Ruby Willis; and paternal great grandparents, Doc & Caroline Standridge.
Survivors include his mother, Barbara Willis Ennis of Edmond, OK; brother & sister in law, Brian & Dana Ennis of Edmond, OK; 2 daughters, Alisha Eslinger of Texas & Amber Ennis of Oklahoma; 3 grandchildren, Kylie Eslinger, Logan Eslinger, & Chastian Eslinger; 2 nieces, Heather Ennis Driscoll and Kristen Kelly Ennis both of Denver, CO; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.
Services will be 10 am, Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Shady Point Cemetery, Shady Point, OK.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Roy H. Raines, 72, of Pace, FL passed away peacefully on March 4, 2011 at Baptist Hospital, Gulf Breeze, FL., with his wife and daughter at his side. Roy was born in Summerfield, OK. on January 24, 1939. He graduated from LeFlore High School, Leflore, OK. He was offered a contract with the New York Yankees right after HS, but he chose to pursue an academic career instead. He received his BS Degree from Northeastern State College, his Master’s in Mathematics from Rutgers University and his PhD from Nova University. He was a Math Professor at Manatee Community College from 1966-1979 and Executive Vice President at Manatee Community College from 1979-1998. He retired in 1998 and moved to Pace in 1999.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vada and Joseph Lindsey Raines, three sisters: Patsy Parsley, Reba Forehand, Pauline Carmack and one brother, Carl Raines. Roy was the dearly beloved father of Dr. S. Lindsey Raines, the husband of Glenda Stockton Raines, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Roy loved and was loved by many. One of his greatest enjoyments was spending time with his wife and daughter and anything involving golf. He was an Instrument Rated Pilot and loved flying his Cherokee 180 all over the US with his wife, Glenda. Additionally he loved life…people and all of nature’s beauties. Roy’s friends counted themselves lucky for their special relationship with him.
Roy and his wife, Glenda, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in July 2010. He was a loyal, lovable, ethical, and generous person, who will be greatly missed by his
family and others who loved him.
There will be a Memorial Tribute To Roy at Stonebrook Country Club Saturday, March 19th at 4:00PM.
Grave side service will be at 2:00PM on May 8, 2011at the Oakland Cemetery, Poteau, OK.

VERNON WADE “BIGGIN” BUTLER
Vernon Wade “Biggin” Butler, 96, of Spiro, OK passed away Thursday, March 24, 2011 in Spiro, OK. Wade was born September 4, 1914 in Williams, OK to Eli Madison & Iva (McCullar) Butler. His parents came from Tennessee and Mississippi and settle in Williams, OK to raise a family of eight. Being raised on the family farm he learned skills that served him and his own family throughout his lifetime. Biggin was a master carpenter, gardener & rancher. He was a defense plant worker during WWII and a WPA worker. Biggin was blessed with six children; 3 dying at birth; and 3 surviving Wade was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Lou Butler; and five brothers; and grandchild, Vickie McTaggart. Biggin deeply loved his family. He loved nature, animals & God. He loved the art of story telling and no one was ever a stranger to him.
Survivors include 2 daughters, Cheryl Arnold of Ft. Smith, AR, Verna Fuentenebro of San Jose, CA; 1 son, Louis Butler of Poteau, OK; 4 Grandchildren, Debbie Fuentenebro, Renee Bickle, Gary Arnold & Christy Arnold. 4 Great Grandchildren Katelynne and Sabannah Bickle, Alexander McTaggart, & Eliott Arnold; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends.
Services will be 2 pm, Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau, OK with Rev. Jim Cook officiating. Interment following in Greenhill Cemetery, Cameron, OK. Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, OK. The family will be at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5-7 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Doyle Brannon of Fanshawe, OK reached out and touched the face of God on March 17, 2011. He was born in Fanshawe on September 22, 1937, the fist child of the late Notie and Ellis Brannon. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John, sisters in law, Helen and Patricia. Doyle always saw the funny side of every situation and prided himself on still being able to make his wife of 53 years, Carole, laugh at his jokes. Doyle and Carole Muse Brannon were devoted to each other and always did everything together. They were best friends. He enjoyed life to its fullest finding joy in everyday living. He though he was the most fortunate of men to have Carole as his wife and be Dad to three wonderful daughters, Grandad to seven grandchildren and one greet granddaughter. He possessed such a kind heart and sought to find everyone's strength. He could make you believe in yourself. His daughters, Lea, Terri and Kim were his pride and joy. Each morning they received an e-mail from their Dad with a thought for the day. He also ket an extensive daily journal and could rely upon it to refer to specific events. In this journal, he would critique the meal prepared by Carole the evening before. Doyle was a member of the United
Brotherhood of Carpenter's Local 329 for 52 years and served in the International Office in Washington DC as Apprenticeship Coordinator. He was an avid Oklahoma Sooner fan. Recently, upon finding a photo of himself when he was 3 or 4 years old dressed in his cowboy gear seated on a worn out Shetland pony, he decided he wanted to include this picture in his obituary with the caption "World Champion Rodeo Rider". If Doyle was writing this today, he would begin with "A wonderful Irishman went to heaven on Saint Patrick's Day". Doyle is survived by his wife Carole, Daughters, Lea Ann Smedley of Purcell, OK, Terri and Craig Hoisington of Herndon, VA and Kim & John Means of Norman, OK. Seven grandchildren, Evan, Taylor and Kellen Smedley, Steven and Lorin Hoisington and Charlotte & Julia Means. One great granddaughter, Joplin. Sisters, Janice & Harold Stephens, Dawna & Lonnie Brannon and Glenda & Pat Turner. One surviving aunt, Hazel Brannon Lane; beloved in laws, Jay & Ruby Muse and Waymeth and Jimmie Stewart. Services will be 2:00pm-Monday, March 21, 2011 at the Community of Christ Church in Fanshawe, OK with Greg and Sally McGowen officiating.

Stella Arabell (Tags) Angel, 90, of Wister,OK passed away March 15, 2011 at her home. Stella was born on December 27, 1920 in Stover,MO. She was a sales person and housewife. She is survived by her 2 sisters Fay Alvis of Warrensburg,MO, Jane Cooke of Seattle, A. 12 Siblings, Numerous relatives and friends. She was proceded in death by her husband Bill Angel, her parents William Henry & Arahbell (Campbell) Tags. Services will be held 10:00am Saturday March 19, 2011 at Ellis Chapel Interment will follow at the Ellis Chapel Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home- Poteau,OK

Michael Lynn Ridenour, 55, of Cameron, OK passed away at his home on March 15, 2011. Michael was born on April 24, 1955 in Alamosa, CO. He is survived by his wife Teresa Ridenour of the home, 2 sons Kendall Ridenour of Ft Smith, AR & Jarrod Ridenour of Cameron, OK, 3 sisters & brothers in law Joyce Choate of Spiro, OK, Sue & Paul Rush of Greenwood, AR, Rena& Danny Minks of Ft Smith, AR. 1 brother & sister in law Johnny & Molly Ridenour of Cameron,OK. He was proceded in by his parents John Henry & Millie ( Patricia) Ridenour. 1 brother Timmy Ridenour, half sister Edna Franklin , and half brother Paul Ridenour. He was a factory worker. He loved to hunt & fish. He coached Little League for 25 yrs. He was also in the National Guard. Services will be held Friday March 18,2011 at the Life N Christ, Shady Point,OK.There will be a family visitation Thursday from 6-8pm at Evans & Miller Funeral Home in Pocola,OK. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home Pocola,OK

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Pat Pate, Sr. passed away March 10, 2011 in Poteau, OK. He was born on August 15, 1931 in Wellington, Texas to Bill & Sue Pate and was raised in Quail Texas as a child then moved to Austin Texas for his teen years. He and His wife Jan moved their family to Poteau, Oklahoma in 1961.
He served 8 years as District Judge for LeFlore, Latimer and Haskell County, Oklahoma, 4 years as Associate District Judge in LeFlore County and served four years in the LeFlore County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. He received a Degree in Geology and a L.L.B. at Sol Ross University, in Alpine, Texas. He obtained his Juris Doctor Degree from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He later obtained several graduate certifications from the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. He was a member of the Oklahoma and Arkansas Bar Association for 50 years, and former member of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference.
Pat was an All-State football player for the Austin, Texas Maroons playing on the first National Televised State Championship Game against Wichita Falls. He served his Country as a Paratrooper in the Eighty-Second Airborne Division United States Army. He worked as a rough-neck while obtaining his Geology Degree.
Pat was a charter member and past president of the Poteau Evening Lions Club and served two years as Zone Chairman. He was awarded a Lifetime Membership to the Lions Club in 1996. He was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows and a 32nd Degree Mason.
Pat was a member of First Baptist Church in Poteau and served 4 years as President and Director of Kiamichi Baptist Assembly. He spent fifteen years helping to sponsor the youth of KBA during their annual summer assembly. He was a former President of the Eastern Oklahoma Gideon Camp and was a frequent speaker for the Gideon’s throughout Eastern Oklahoma.
Pat was preceded in death by three brothers, Whit Pate of Howe, OK, Billy Joe Pate of Poteau, OK and Jim Pate of Prescott, Arizona; and one grandson, Steve Queen.
Pat is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jan Pate; one brother, H.D. & “Pretty” Pat Pate of Bridge City, TX; four sons, Tom & Joleta Pate of Kingwood, Texas, Davy & Charlotte Pate of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Kevin & Cindy Pate of Norman, OK; Pat Pate Jr. of Poteau , OK and Special daughter-in-law, Karen Nolan of Poteau, OK; 13 grandchildren, Amy & Josh Burum, Aaron & Alan Pate, Meredith & Dusty Pate, Kimberly Pate, Jess & Willis Pate, Sharina Martindale, Amy & Kate Patton, Mark Queen; 6 great-grandchildren, Brayden, Dylan, Jordan, Keirsten, Emery & William.
A memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church at Poteau, OK, on Friday, March 18, at 11:00 am; Rev. Phillip McGehee Officiating.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Jewell Maggilou Sisco 85, passed away Thurday,March 10,2011 in Fort Smith,AR.Jewell was born in McCurtain,OK on November 23,1925.Jewell was a homemaker.She was proceded in death by her parents William Thomas Ragan & Iva Etta (Sanders) Ragan,Brother Charles Ragan & Sister Evevlyn Edens. Survivors include her husband Roy L. Sisco of the home.Her daughter & son in law Linda & Steve Smith of Henryetta,OK. 2 grandaughters Stephanie Smith of Muskogee,OK Melanie & David Cole of Sand Springs,OK. 3 Great Grandchildren Marissa Costello,Madilyn Costello,Matthew Cole. 1 brother & sister in law Rex & Ruth Ragan of Shady Point,OK.Numerous Neices,Nephews,Relatives,& Friends.Services will be held 10:00am Monday-March 14,2011 at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Panama,OK with Rev. David Nolan officiating. Internment will follow at Shady Point Cemetery in Shady Point,OK

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Robert J.(Bob) Eskridge 86, of Poteau passed away Tuesday March 8,2011 in Fort Smith,AR.Bob was born in Williams,OK on May 5,1924 but was raised in Heavener.He was a former Mayor of Poteau.Bob was a Marine Veteran of WWII in the Pacific Theatre.He was on the Election Board and ecouraged everyone to vote.He was a charter and very dedicated member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. He enjoyed fishing was an avid Bridge Player and had strong interest in Civic Affairs.He was proceded in death by his parents Walter and Celeste (Clark) Eskridge and wife Marge Eskridge.Survivors include his 4 Children Mary Lou & Milton McKissock,Laura & Tommy Johnson,Robert & Deanne Eskridge,Lynn & Cheryl Eskridge.His 4 Grandchildren Sydney & Jackson Eskridge Shelly & Garry Long.His 2 Great Grandchildren Samuel & Joseph Long.Other Relatives & Loved Ones;A Host of Beloved Friends.Services will be held,1pm Saturday at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau,OK with Rev. Tom Harrington officiating. Internment will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Poteau,OK.In Lieu of flowers contributions can be sent to St.Barnabas Episcopal Church in Poteau(500 College Ave.) or your local food bank.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Dena Sarah Elizabeth Benson Stacy, 96, of Shady Point, OK went to be with her Lord & Savior on Monday, March 7, 2011. She was born May 16, 1914 in Waldron, AR to Marvin Cameron & DeLanie H. (Jackson) Benson. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lee Stacy; son, Dale Stacy; brothers, J.C., D.B., Cameron, Clarence & Orville Benson. Dena was a homemaker. She liked to quilt and read. She worked taking care of "old people" until she was in her mid 80's. Survivors include her son & daughter in law, Will & Edna Stacy of Shady Point, OK; daughter & son in law, Alma & Eulice Butler of Shady Point, OK; 10 Grandchildren; 9 Great Grandchildren; 5 Great Great Grandchildren; brothers, Delmer Benson of Heavener, OK, James Ervin of Heavener, OK; other relatives & loved ones; many beloved friends. Services will be 10 am, Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Calvary Assembly of God Church in Poteau, OK with Rev. Lynn Bullard officiating. Interment following in Howe Cemetery, Howe, OK. The family will be at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5-8 pm to visit with relatives & friends.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Verlan Leon "Dutch" Goins, 78, of Poteau, OK passed away Friday, March 4, 2011 in Poteau. Verlan was born October 10, 1932 in Cameron, OK to Charles & Flora (Maple) Goins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill & Raymond Goins; sister, Florence Rhymes. He was a carpenter, a life long resident of this area and a member of the Poteau Church of Christ. Survivors include his wife, Doris Ann Goins of the home; son, Gaylen Goins of Houston, TX; sisters, Marie Coleman of Stockton, CA, Charlene Lierly of Whitefish, MT, Opal Snyder of Tulsa, OK: brothers, Kenneth Ray Goins of Poteau, OK & Odie Goins of Poteau, OK. Services will be 2 pm, Monday, March 7, 2011 at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, OK with Don Cherry & Dick Hurlocker officiating. Interment will follow in Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore, OK. Pallbearers will be Wesley Pickle, Jim Kelly, Jim Estes, Jr Thompson, Roy Robertson, Jim Frier. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.